Memorial
These pages are in loving Memory of our son, Bobby Craine and friends Jason Tilley, Justin McClain, Brad Bosler and Pat Carey.
The story of April 6, 2002 and the days to follow.
Let me start with the day’s events: Bobby stayed the night, 4/5/02, at Jason’s house and we were to pick him up around 9:30am. 4/6/02. Due to the fact that Jeannie and Danielle were busy setting out the clues for Bobby’s birthday surprise, we contacted Barbara Tilley and asked if Bobby could stay a little longer and we would pick him up around noon. This allowed us the time needed to place the clues around town and for me to complete the installation of our new garage door opener since our old one failed the day before. A little after 11am Danielle picked up Bobby. She placed a birthday card in his seat, which he opened and read on the way home. Once Bobby arrived home we gathered together to open presents in the family room. We gave him a Halo Game for the XBOX that had not arrived, some new shorts and shirts and chest waders for duck hunting. Bobby put on the chest waders and was off to the pool to give them a test. I took a couple of pictures with my digital camera of him walking around in the pool. We went back into the house and Jeannie informed him that he had an E-mail from his Aunt Roberta in Australia (my sister). Roberta’s clue was the starting point of the clues that would conclude with a plane ride for Bobby, Justin, and Jason and finish with a review of the ride with the Tilleys, McClains, Careys and Craines over dinner.
-----Original Message-----
From: stewarts
Sent: Saturday, April 06, 2002 8:16 AM
To: boy4
Subject: for you.....
Happy Birthday Bobby! A BIG 16!! nearly catching Melissa!! Have a fun day...oh...and...
"Your off! Time to get! You’re going to need to be on time or you will miss out. Your driver awaits in the truck and you will get a ring."
He put on some of his new clothes and was off to the truck. The call didn’t come as planned so we had someone else give him the clue, which was that he would find his next clue at Tree’s house. (A nickname for Jason was tree.) Once inside the house, Uncle Bob Williams was to call him. Uncle Bob tried to change his voice but after listening to the clue Bobby stated, “Thanks Uncle Bob.” The clue was for him not to wrestle once there, as the phone would ring with another clue. Now we are off with Jason and Bobby to Justin’s house. Justin wrestled that year for Golden West.
Once inside Justin’s house I called with the clue that he needed to get to the Bell in the Vineyard. We now had all three with us and we were off to Taco Bell in Mary’s vineyard, which was Bobby’s favorite place to eat. They didn’t want to look dumb so Justin decided to order a Pepsi when they asked for the clue. The envelope held the next clue and we were off to Midtown sports to pickup another clue. From Midtown they had to go to home plate on the freshman field where they found a clue taped to home plate. This one directed them to our home and the pool. The next clue took some brainpower and they had to figure this out: You're not going golfing. You're not going racing. The scorekeeper on #4 has your next clue. Plaza Park is next to the airport, golf course and midget racecourse. There we met Danielle who handed them the last envelope, which stated: Sooo.... You want to get high! Pilot on over to a gate to meet someone who'll have your next clue. Once at the gate they received the last clue that stated: You're going up for an extreme ride! Take a camera and lots of pictures. We'll see you for dinner when you're done.
Danielle visited with the boys while waiting for Pat, our pilot, to arrive. A few minutes later (2:30pm) our friend and pilot Pat Carey came into the parking lot. Pat let us in the entrance gate and we drove the boys to his hanger. Pat moved the plane and then began making his double checks of the aircraft. Jeannie and I took some pictures of the boys in front of the plane. Pat helped load the guys into the back seat, first Justin, behind the pilot’s seat. then Jason in the right rear. Pat got in next then Bobby. I handed Bobby my cell phone and digital camera. They began putting on the headsets and then I handed Pat the EMT bag with Pat’s cell phone in it. Pat handed it back to Justin who stored it behind him and Jason. Jeannie and I moved to the end of the runway to take some more pictures and waved good-bye. The time now was 3:05pm.
The flight was to be for one to two hours. Bobby, Justin, and Jason could pick where to go and they would call if they came home early. We know they flew over our home and then off over Jason’s home.
At 4:30pm I told Jeannie we had better go wait at the airport as we had invited the families to join us for dinner at a local Mexican Restaurant, Henry Salazars at 6pm. We arrived at the airport just before 5pm and the waiting began. At 5:30pm our concerns started to raise as dinner was in 30 minutes. I called Joy Carey who was very calming to me. I then called Salazar’s and informed them we would be late at 5:45pm. I called the restaurant again at 6pm to see if the families had arrived and learned they had. At 6:10pm I called the restaurant and asked to talk to Steve McClain. I told them we were still waiting at the airport and we had been talking with Joy about our concerns and he stated “This is not good.” They prayed at the restaurant and then Barbara Tilley called my cell phone to let us know that all were on the way to join us at the airport. We spoke many times with Joy via cell phone and she was busy contacting the needed agencies lead by CHP officer Matt Daglish. At 8:00pm, the families decided to return to our homes, as we feared it was going to be a long night and we wanted to be close to our phones.
Buy now our church was aware that the boys and Pat were missing. Just after we left we learned a large group from Grace Community Church showed up at the airport to pray and support us.
Beginning at 8:13pm on April 6, 2002 I sent out an email to update some family and friends. It was my way of keeping them posted of the events that were occurring and to give them some insight into my mind and heart.
Following are the emails that were sent. They show our perspective of the events as they occurred:
-----Original Message-----
From: J.R. Craine
Sent: Saturday, April 06, 2002 8:13 PM
Subject: Need your Prayers
All,
I don't know how to say this but we are missing our son tonight. We sent him off with his two best friends, Jason Tilley and Justin McClain with our friend Pat Carey, a pilot, for a 2 hour flight in a small plane as a birthday surprise. They departed at 3:05 and have not returned yet. At this time they are missing. Please lift them up in prayer. That is all we ask and can do at this time. Search teams will be up tomorrow we where told. The pilots wife Joy, has been very encouraging but as you might guess we are very concerned. We are home waiting for more information via phone so please try not to call. All three families are calling each other about once per hour to stay in contact.
Again, what we need is your prayers.
Thanks,
Bob, Jeannie, Danielle
-----Original Message-----
From: J.R. Craine
Sent: Sunday, April 07, 2002 4:50 AM
Subject: RE: Need your Prayers - FYI
All,
It’s now 4:45AM. I was able to sleep for 3 hours but keep waking up hoping this is a dream. The search begins at 6am this morning. Six or more local Airplanes will take off to begin the search for Pat, Bobby, Justin, and Jason.
The families our going to the Visalia Airport to pray for the search teams and our sons and pilot.
Please, continue to keep them all in your prayers.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: J.R. Craine
Sent: Sunday, April 07, 2002 9:18 AM
Subject: RE: Need your Prayers - FYI Time Now 9:17am
All,
We are now home waiting for news. Planes are in the air over the area where the radar last saw them at 3:40pm yesterday. We hope and pray for good news.
Thank you for your prayers.
I am scared, but holding on to hope.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: J.R. Craine
Sent: Sunday, April 07, 2002 6:05 PM
Subject: RE: Need your Prayers - FYI Time Now 6pm Sunday
All,
We just learned that the search has been called off for Today due to low Clouds and will restart at 7am tomorrow morning. We hope they can walk out and call someone tonight, otherwise we wait until tomorrow and see what God brings us!
Blessings to you all for your prayers, they are helping all the families involved.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: J.R. Craine
Sent: Sunday, April 07, 2002 8:17 PM
Subject: RE: Need your Prayers - FYI Time Now 8:13pm Sunday
All,
We where just told that a call was placed to Pat Carey's cell phone in the last 20 minutes and the voice said, hello this is Bobby, then cut off. So we know that Bobby is alive and we are trying to find out more if possible.
Please keep praying for all those out there tonight.
Jason, Justin, Pat and Bobby
Hoping,
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: J.R. Craine
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 5:22 AM
Subject: RE: Need your Prayers - FYI Time Now 5:14am Monday
Good Morning.
Around midnight we met with the sheriff. The meeting was not as uplifting as they didn't weigh the cell phone call as helping them pinpoint the plane as much as we think it will. We are hoping with all our hearts that today is the day they come HOME. This meeting with the sheriff does not take away the fact that the call was made and answered. That was an answer to prayer folks! Thanks! So we have hope and continue to pray.
Regards,
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: J.R. Craine
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 10:18 AM
Subject: RE: Need your Prayers - FYI Time Now 10:04am Monday
All,
I have been to the Visalia airport and met with the sheriff's department. We learned that Vandenberg sent over a plane (Michael, if you have something to do with is thanks) this morning at 4:30am that used night vision to look. Did not see anything. 5 fixed wing planes are in the air now, on board is Bobby's Uncle Bob and Pat's brother in-law serving as spotters. So many people working to find them. At 11am the fixed planes will return and 3 helicopters will go in to get lower. Thank you to Lemoore Navel base and CHP helicopters! Our prayers to all the rescuer teams and families. As far as a volunteer ground search team. It is our wish for you not to try. That is supported by the sheriff's department as well. We don't want anyone else lost!
Remember, GOD is in charge. He provided one miracle last night with that cell call!
Blessings to you all for your prayers.
Bob Craine and Family
-----Original Message-----
From: J.R. Craine
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 11:16 AM
Subject: RE: Need your Prayers - FYI Time Now 11:14am Monday
All,
We just learned that last nights phone call was incorrect. The person that made the call, used Pat's OLD cell number and just so happen that a Bobby picked up the phone. We take a step back but the search continues.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: J.R. Craine
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 8:39 PM
Subject: RE: Need your Prayers - FYI Time Now 8:38pm Monday
All,
News that we have tonight. Vandenberg will fly a mission for the 2nd time at 4:30am using heat sensitive radar. Southern Calif. Edison is checking on a development that shows a line break at 4:06pm Saturday. They will inspect the cable and that might give us some answers. Ground search team will work tomorrow under the cable area. Fixed wing aircraft are going up at 7:30am. Helicopters from Vandenberg have to return but Helicopters are coming from China Lake and Lemoore as well as CHP and Edison. The effort is large and we are thankful. CHP chopper spotted hikers and chatted with them to learn that they spotted the plane flying after 4:pm. Remember, radar loses contact at 3:40pm so this is news and it matches to the Edison clue. So again we pray and HOPE.
Praying to God for a miracle!
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: J.R. Craine
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2002 7:23 AM
Subject: RE: Need your Prayers - FYI Time Now 7:14am Wednesday
All,
We continue to wait, but we are very tired. I am not thinking well right now so forgive me if my words don't make sense. Each day when our hopes get smaller we lean more and more on the prayers of all of you. Last night we learned that 70 kids where planning on hiking in the park today to search on the ground for our guys. I was able to stop that by talking with key guys last night. A group of friends did meet at 6am this morning as planned but it was mostly made up of adults. I had to go make sure. They will search the trails in the areas where we think the plane could be. Bobby's Uncle Dan Lombardi and Uncle Bob Williams have been spotters flying the area all day yesterday. Cousin Greg Silva is going in today on the ground to search as well. Understand, that only a few are being allowed to help work along side the rescue teams. We are just in awe of the support being provided by the Sheriff's department, family and friends.
Pending finding them today, a prayer service will be held at local churches, we plan on attending.
Regards,
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From:J.R. Craine
Sent:Wednesday, April 10, 2002 3:33 PM
Subject: RE: Need your Prayers - FYI Time Now 3:29pm Wednesday
All,
This is to let you know that the plane was found today, however there where no survivors. All died at impact.
Keep the families in prayer,
Bob
Note: Wednesday night we attended the prayer service at Grace Community Church. Steve McClain made his way forward to address the packed worship center. I joined Steve up front to support him. Later we were asked if we wished to make a statement. We accepted. I thanked everyone for their prayers for our guys to return home. I told everyone present that "God answered our prayer, it just wasn’t our house, it was His house they returned to!"
-----Original Message-----
From:J.R. Craine
Sent:Thursday, April 11, 2002 6:18 AM
Subject:RE: Need your Prayers - FYI Time Now 6:18am Thursday
As we celebrate the lives of all these young men.
Thank you for your prayers,
Bob Craine
Note: On Friday, April 12, all families attended the Memorial held at Golden West High School. What an honor for all of us! We were allowed to address the student body. Again I thanked all those that attended and read Psalms 121.
Saturday, April 13th a celebration of life was held to honor Jason, Bobby and Justin. We were honored to have over 2500 people attend the celebration. United, the fathers stood together and walked up to the platform. Each of us read about our sons and challenged all that attended to check and see if they new where they would go should they die tomorrow.
Monday April 15th a celebration of life was held to honor our friend Pat Carey. All families attended. I was blessed to speak and address Joy and sons. Steve McClain spoke as well .
Monday April 15th a semi-private graveside service was held for Bobby and Jason. They were buried together in the Visalia Cemetery. Over 250 members of family and close friends attended the service.
Sunday June 13, 2004 - Received a call from Scott Bosler. Learned that his Son, our boy’s dear friend Brad Bosler died in an accident in Porterville. I called the Tilley's and McLain's. Each family rush to the Porterville hospital to be at the family's side.
